Kabuli

Dominica Computers
It has been awhile since I have posted on my beloved island of Dominica so I felt it was time to get something up. I am happy to announce that the Sustainable Living Initiative Center (SLIC) has just recently completed Phase 2 of its computer mission Dominica. This initiative provides the children of Dominica access to reliable computers and is possible through SLIC, the Rosalie Forest Retreat, Geest Shipping, and NS Optimum.

One particular problem of using computers on Dominica is the lack of skilled technicians to repair and upkeep the computers, particularly in the Ministry of Education. NS Optimum, a UK company, has helped with the refurbishing the computers and the training of locals on upkeep and maintenance of the computers. Through this initiative nearly 400 computers will hopefully be delivered to Dominican Schools and NGO's, helping spread communication and education throughout the island. I am excited to see that the SLIC is still going strong.

I have and continue to participate in one of SLIC's other initiatives through Miami University (OH). This project provides funding for scholarships for local children to attend the Grand Fond pre-school. The money raised in 2006 help provide two 2 year scholarships thus far. The project will hopefully mature into a permanent fixture within the community. If you happen to be traveling to Dominica soon, please visit the entire island, but be sure to stop by the wonderful village of Grand Fond!

Dominica Airport
Melville Hall, Dominica's main airport, is making huge strides in allowing it to support the growing tourism market on the island. Currently, Dominica has two airports, Canefield and Melville Hall. Canefield was damaged in an earth quake a few years back and only small prop planes are allowed to leave (as far as I know) which leaves Melville Hall as the only suitable airport.

In the event of inclement weather, which on Dominica is very likely, a majority of flights will be diverted to another island till the next morning. This is because of the adiabatic heating of the day and the storms that are generated from this on the prevailing winds. The airport sits in a river valley on the northeast side of the island, and the trip in is harrowing enough in broad daylight, let alone bad weather, if you have been there, you know what I'm talking about. Night landings, common almost everywhere throughout the Caribbean and abroad, are not allowed on Dominica because Melville Hall lacks a proper lighting system, but this is about to change.

The government of Venezuela have been helping Dominica to upgrade Melville Hall through the Melville Hall Airport Air Access Improvement Program initiated in 2005. The program aims to upgrade Melville Hall, which also includes night time landing capabilities. Phase Three, which included the creation of a RESA (Reserve End Safety Area) through excavation and river diversion to the West.

Phase Four comprised land reclamation, road realignment and coastal defence works to create RESA to the east. With this completion Phase Two will commence in June and includes actions that will include runway and apron resurfacing and marking, navigation and lighting equipment installation, drainage, and fencing. I'm excited for these developments and hopefully the operations will go smooth. At the same time I'm slightly disappointed, as in my opinion, half the fun of Dominica is the unusual and wacky paths one can take getting there. If you've been, you know what I'm talking about:-)
Cheers!